Cultural Backlash

This book argues that the support for populist and authoritarian leaders is largely driven by a cultural backlash against recent societal changes, such as multicultural cosmopolitanism.

The authors draw on statistical data and a wide literature to demonstrate substantial intergenerational differences in voting patterns.

They classify contemporary societies into four generations (Interwar, Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials) and show that older generations are more likely to support populist-authoritarian parties, while younger generations favor post-material values and related politics.

The book explores the consequences of this cultural backlash on democratic institutions and civic culture.